The Bulldogs signal their return

The Canterbury Bulldogs achieved a comprehensive 48-14 victory over the Newcastle Knights at Telstra Stadium.

The Bulldogs dominated the first half jumping out to a 16 point lead. The Knights pegged them back slightly with a try on halftime to trail 18-8 at the break.

The second half started competitively. The Knights got five sets of six on the Bulldogs line early on but failed to score. The Bulldogs made them pay going up field in the next set of six and scoring a try that changed the course of the match.

From that point on the Bulldogs charged off into the distance scoring another 24 unanswered points. The Knights only cut the lead down slightly close to fulltime with a consolation try to Woolnough.

This match signals the clear return of the Bulldogs this season. They?ve had a slow start but have sent the message out to other teams that they are still a major threat to this competition. The Knights on the other hand will have to lick their wounds and re-group with a few players returning from injury and suspension.

32nd min: TRY - Bulldogs. Willie Mason went on a charging run from 10 metres out and forced his way over the line. El Masri converts - Bulldogs 18-2.

40th min: TRY - Knights. After a big break from Tahu the ball bounced off a Bulldogs player straight into the arms of Craig Hall who bet Pattern to score in the corner. Johns converts - Bulldogs 18-8.

Halftime: The Bulldogs are in control of this one but the Knights try on halftime gives them a sniff for the second half. Halftime score: Bulldogs 18-8.

41st min: The second half is under way!

53rd min: TRY - Bulldogs. A huge blow for the Bulldogs after the Knights attacked for 5 sets on the Bulldogs line but couldn't score. Canterbury went up field and Dennis Scott scored. El Masri converts - Bulldogs 24-8.

56th min: TRY - Bulldogs. Amazing play from the Bulldogs. Utai made a big run out wide and kicked in field. Andrew Ryan got to the ball first, kicked ahead and with 2 other Bulldogs around him placed the ball down to score. El Masri converts - Bulldogs 30-8.

68th min: TRY - Bulldogs. Mason ran to the line and offloaded to Sherwin who found himself in space and scored another great Bulldogs try. El Masri converts - Bulldogs 42-8.

72nd min: TRY - Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are now rubbing salt in the wounds of the Knights. The ball came out wide before Huges got a ball on the inside to score a hatrick. El Masri converts - Bulldogs 48-8.